Patents Issued in August 30, 2007
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Publication number: 20070200976Abstract: To provide: a very thin elliptically polarizing plate having broadband and wide viewing angle; a simple method of producing the same; and an image display apparatus employing the elliptically polarizing plate. The elliptically polarizing plate of the present invention includes a polarizer, a protective layer formed on one side of the polarizer, a first birefringent layer serving as a ?/2 plate, and a second birefringent layer serving as a ?/4 plate. In the elliptically polarizing plate, the first birefringent layer and the second birefringent layer are each formed by using a liquid crystal material. Preferably, the first birefringent layer has a thickness of 0.5 to 5 ?m and the second birefringent layer has a thickness of 0.3 to 3 ?m.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2005Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATIONInventors: Ikuo Kawamoto, Seiji Umemoto
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Publication number: 20070200977Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a display device having a high contrast ratio. Another object of the invention is to manufacture such a high-performance display device at low cost. In a display device having a display element between a pair of light-transmissive substrates, polarizer-including layers, which have different wavelength distributions of extinction coefficients, are stacked so that absorption axes are in a parallel nicol state, over each light-transmissive substrate. Absorption axes of one of a pair of stacks of polarizers and the other together which interpose the display element are deviated from a cross nicol state. A retardation plate may be provided between the stack of polarizing plates and the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuji Egi, Tetsuji Ishitani, Takeshi Nishi
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Publication number: 20070200978Abstract: An object is to provide a display device with high contrast ratio. Another object is to manufacture such a high-performance display device at low cost. In a display device having a display element interposed between a pair of light-transmitting substrates, a stack of polarizer-including layers in a parallel nicol state is provided outside each of the light-transmitting substrates. Here, transmission axes of polarizers that are stacked in the stack on one side of the display element and transmission axes of polarizers that are stacked in the stack on another side of the display element are arranged to be displaced from a cross nicol state. Also, a retardation film may be provided between the polarizers that are stacked and the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.Inventors: Tetsuji ISHITANI, Takeshi NISHI, Yuji EGI
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Publication number: 20070200979Abstract: A colour display device comprises: a first display substrate (13) and a second display substrate (18), said substrates being spaced apart and opposed to each other; a layer of an electro-optic material (27) between the substrates; a set of first electrodes (17a) on an inner surface of the first display substrate (13) and a set of second electrodes (17b) on an inner surface of the second display substrate (18), the first electrodes (17a) overlapping the second electrodes (17b) to define pixels for selectively applying an electric field across at least some of said electro-optic material; a set of first colour filters (CY) on the first display substrate, each of said first electrodes being in register with one of said first colour filters; and a set of second colour filters (CM) on the second display substrate, each of said second electrodes being in register with one of said second colour filters.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2005Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: John Rudin, Adrian Geisow
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Publication number: 20070200980Abstract: Provided is a color filter substrate in which satisfactory planarity at any portion on a black matrix is materialized. In a color filter substrate used in the present invention, a planarizing layer is formed so as to cover a light shielding layer (12) having a black matrix (41) and colored layers. The colored layers are partitioned into shapes corresponding to the shape of the black matrix (41), edges of the respective partitioned colored layers (16R, 16G, and 16B) overlap the light shielding layer (12), the edges have spaced portions (43) formed therebetween so that the edges are distance from each other, and the planarizing layer is formed over the light shielding layer (12) so as to fill the spaced portions (43).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventor: Takakazu Fukuchi
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Publication number: 20070200981Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin film transistor array panel is provided, the method includes: forming a gate line on an insulating substrate; forming a gate insulating layer; forming a semiconductor layer; forming a data conductive layer including a data line and a drain electrode; depositing a passivation layer; forming a photoresist including a first portion located on an end portion of the gate line, a second portion thicker than the first portion and located on the drain electrode, and a third portion thicker than the second portion; exposing a portion of the passivation layer under the second portion of the photoresist and a portion of the gate insulating layer under the first portion of the photoresist by etching using the photoresist as an etch mask; forming first and second contact holes exposing the drain electrode and the end portions of the gate line, respectively; and forming a pixel electrode connected to the drain electrode through the first contact hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jun-Hyung SOUK, Jeong-Young Lee, Jong-Soo Yoon, Kwon-Young Choi, Bum-Ki Baek
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Publication number: 20070200982Abstract: A liquid crystal device includes a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer between the pair of substrates. In addition, the device includes a plurality of dots capable of independently applying voltage to the liquid crystal layer, each dot having a dot area that includes a first section and a second section. A color filter is arranged in the first section of at least one of the dots. A substantially transparent area is arranged in the at least one of the dots in the second section where the color filter is not arranged.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Osamu Okumura, Eiji Okamoto, Tsuyoshi Maeda, Toshiharu Matsushima
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Publication number: 20070200983Abstract: On a first substrate, a TFT which is a switching element is provided for each pixel, and above an insulating film covering this TFT, a reflective layer which is insulated from the TFT and which reflects light entering a second substrate and transmitting through a second electrode made of ITO is formed. Further, a first electrode having a work function similar to that of the second electrode and made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO is formed closer to a liquid crystal layer than the reflective layer, and this first electrode is connected with the TFT. With this configuration, the liquid crystal layer can be symmetrically AC driven by the first and second electrodes. A reliable connection between the first electrode and the TFT is provided through a connection metal layer made of a refractory metal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2006Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: Kazuhiro Inoue, Norio Koma, Shinji Ogawa, Tohru Yamashita, Nobuhiko Oda, Satoshi Ishida, Tsutomu Yamada
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Publication number: 20070200984Abstract: Disclosed are a reflection type LCD and method of manufacturing the same. A wiring layer having a first and second metal layer (102, 104) is formed on a substrate (100) including a display region (D) and a pad region (P). Upon the substrate (100) and the wiring layer is formed a first passivation layer (155), and contacts with a wiring terminal (115) and the first metal layer (102). A second passivation layer (180) is formed on the substrate except the pad region (P). The pad contact hole (160) extends to a position under the second passivation layer (180). The second passivation layer (180) covers a region in the pad contact hold (160) where the step coverage of the pad electrode (170) is poor, thereby preventing a battery effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: Jeong-Ho Lee, Sang-Gun Choi, Young-Goo Song
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Publication number: 20070200985Abstract: The present invention provides a transflective liquid crystal display device which can reduce the generation of an image retention even when the transflective liquid crystal display device adopts the constitution in which an aluminum film is formed in a reflective region and a transparent conductive film made of ITO or the like is arranged over the aluminum film.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: Toshiki KANEKO, Toshiyuki Matsuura
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Publication number: 20070200986Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal layer between a first substrate and a second substrate, at least one first-type optical compensation layer over the liquid crystal layer, and at least one polarizer layer over the first-type optical compensation layer. The liquid crystal layer has a birefringence liquid crystal material. The first-type optical compensation layer includes a negative birefringence material. The optical axis of the first-type optical compensation layer is substantially parallel to a plane of either of the first substrate or the second substrate throughout the the layer. A liquid crystal display is prepared by forming a liquid crystal layer as described above, forming at least one first-type optical compensation layer as described above, and forming at least one polarizer layer over the first-type optical compensation layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2006Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventor: Hiap Ong
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Publication number: 20070200987Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal panel, a liquid television and a liquid crystal display apparatus each having significantly reduced light leak and coloring in black display, a high contrast ratio in an oblique direction and a small color shift in an oblique direction. A liquid crystal panel according to the present invention includes: a liquid crystal cell including a liquid crystal layer containing nematic liquid crystals in homogeneous alignment in an absence of an electric field; a first polarizer arranged on a viewer side of the liquid crystal cell; a first laminated optical element arranged between the liquid crystal cell and the first polarizer; a second polarizer arranged on a backlight side of the liquid crystal cell; and a second laminated optical element arranged between the liquid crystal cell and the second polarizer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2006Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: Nitto Denko CorporationInventors: Kenji Yoda, Shuuji Yano, Masaki Hayashi
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Publication number: 20070200988Abstract: A liquid crystal display is provided, which includes: a first panel; a second panel facing the first panel; a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first panel and the second panel; a biaxial compensation film disposed on an outer surface of the first panel; a first polarizing film disposed on an outer surface of the biaxial compensation film; a C-plate uniaxial compensator disposed on an outer surface of the second panel and having a horizontal retardation lower than about 10 nm; and a second polarizing film disposed on an outer surface of the C-plate uniaxial compensator.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Kyeong-Hyeon KIM, Yun Jang, Jang-Kun Song
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Publication number: 20070200989Abstract: Disclosed herein is a liquid crystal display device which can control a viewing angle in up/down and left/right directions without need of forming white subpixels. In the liquid crystal display device which includes a first region having liquid crystal molecules aligned in a slanted direction, and a second region having the liquid crystal molecules aligned in up and down directions or in left and right directions. Voltage is independently applied to the second region from the first region.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2006Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: LG.PHILIPS LCD CO., LTD.Inventors: Kimura Shinichi, Furuta Kaoru, Yamashita Hidefumi, Nagayama Kazuyoshi, Momoi Yuichi, Yoshida Hidefumi
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Publication number: 20070200990Abstract: In order to suppress noise in display, which would occur due to variations of inclination directions of liquid crystal molecules, and to improve display quality, a first structure in a shape having a discontinuous portion is provided to a first electrode, and a second structure is provided to a second electrode so as to face the discontinuous portion of the first structure. When a voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes to generate an electric field in a liquid crystal layer, the first structure controls the inclination directions of the liquid crystal molecules, and the second structure controls the inclination directions of the liquid crystal molecules existing in the discontinuous portion of the first structure. In the discontinuous portion of the first structure, the amount of light passing through the liquid crystal layer increases, and the liquid crystal molecules are aligned more vertically. Hence, light leakage is reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jin Hirosawa, Norihiro Yoshida, Arihiro Takeda, Reiko Suwa, Hiroyuki Kimura, Hiroshi Tabatake, Yuuki Morita
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Publication number: 20070200991Abstract: A substrate includes adjacent first and second pixel regions defined by first and second gate lines extending in a first direction and a data line extending in a second direction that crosses the gate lines. First and second driving thin film transistors formed in the first and second pixel regions, respectively, are connected to the data line. A first synchronization adjusting thin film transistor formed in the first pixel region and is connected to the second gate line. A first connection line is connected to the first driving thin film transistor and the first synchronization adjusting thin film transistor. The first connection line overlaps a conductive line along a direction of extension of the conductive line. First and second pixel electrodes are connected to the first synchronization adjusting thin film transistor and the second driving thin film transistor, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventor: Gee-Sung Chae
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Publication number: 20070200992Abstract: A display device is provided. The display device includes a display area having display pixels arranged in a matrix shape, and a dummy area that is formed proximate to an edge of the display area and that has a plurality of dummy pixels. Each dummy pixel includes a first electrode, a second electrode for receiving a common voltage, a liquid crystal layer formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a voltage supplier for supplying the first voltage to the first electrode. By removing a thin film transistor of a dummy pixel and directly applying a common voltage to a pixel electrode, the thin film transistor of the dummy pixel is destroyed when static electricity is introduced from the outside, thereby preventing static electricity from being introduced to the display area.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2006Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: Chul-Ho Kim, Il-Gon Kim, Cheol-Min Kim
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Publication number: 20070200993Abstract: A color liquid crystal display panel includes a first substrate having data lines and scan lines arranged in a matrix, a second substrate having four-color filter segments to provide four sub-pixels forming a pixel, a frame-shaped sealing material through which the first and second substrates are bonded together, and a liquid crystal sealed in a gap surrounded by the first and second substrates and the sealing material. The data lines and the scan lines are drawn out of the sealing material and arranged as inspection data lines having a predetermined length. Among the inspection data lines LR, LG, LB, LC corresponding to the four-color filter segments, at least one pair of the inspection lines for two colors sandwich one inspection data line for one color and have identical lengths.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: SANYO EPSON IMAGING DEVICES CORP.Inventor: Yoshiaki Aramatsu
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Publication number: 20070200994Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a first substrate provided with an alignment film on one surface thereof, and a second substrate provided with an alignment film on one surface thereof. The first and second substrates are arranged to oppose each other with the alignment films inside the opposed first and second substrates. Spacers are interposed between the first and second substrates, and pixels are arranged in a matrix in the display apparatus. The spacers are arranged such that, along a direction of rubbing treatment for the alignment film of the second substrate, not more than one spacer is provided per pixel, at least one spacer is present per three consecutive pixels, and no three consecutive pixels all have a respective spacer corresponding thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masaki Yanagisawa
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Publication number: 20070200995Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate, a first field generating electrode arranged on the first substrate and including first and second cutouts, and a second substrate facing the first substrate. A second field generating electrode is arranged on the second substrate and includes a third cutout, and a liquid crystal layer is interposed between the first and second field generating electrodes. A column spacer is interposed between the first and second substrates and is disposed in the first cutout region.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2006Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Yang-Gyu Jang
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Publication number: 20070200996Abstract: Exemplary methods and apparatus are provided herein related to display systems. According to one exemplary embodiment, a method of forming a display is discussed that includes providing an embossable material and embossing the embossable material to form a plurality of features including at least one geometric adhesive portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2006Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: Qin Liu, Alan Arthur
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Publication number: 20070200997Abstract: Disclosed is a contoured metal eyeglass frame. The frame may be injection molded or cast, and may include sculpted, variable cross section eyeglass components. Thus, the present invention combines the design flexibility of injection molded plastic parts with the strength and durability of metal construction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: OAKLEY, INC.Inventors: James Jannard, Malcolm Houston, Carlos Reyes, Ryan Saylor
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Publication number: 20070200998Abstract: Illuminated novelty eye glasses include a frame having a body with portions that define lens openings and adjacent hinge regions, and a bridge region between the portions defining the lens openings. The body has a channel formed therein traversing around the lens openings and across the bridge region. The body is formed from a transparent or translucent material. Ear pieces are connected to the frame at the hinge regions. The ear pieces each have a hinge region for hingedly connecting the ear pieces to the body such that the ear pieces fold inwardly toward the body. The ear pieces each include a compartment and a channel extending generally from the compartment to the hinge region. An LED assembly is formed from a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted to a plurality of conductors. A power source is operably connected to the LED assembly and is carried in one of the ear piece compartments and a switch operably connects the power source to the LED assembly and is carried in the other ear piece compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2006Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: CHEMICAL LIGHT, INC.Inventors: Michael L. Schrimmer, Ronald E. Gilley
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Publication number: 20070200999Abstract: A pair of eyeglasses is equipped an illuminating device; hollow housing parts are pivoted to respective ones of front end portions of temples of the eyeglasses, and adjustable in position; the temples each have a battery box formed thereon; the illuminating device includes a light emitting element held in each one of hollow housing parts, a wire connected to each one of the light emitting elements at one end, and a battery set held in each one of the battery boxes and connected to the other end of each one of the wires.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2006Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventor: Ching-Hui Lee
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Publication number: 20070201000Abstract: Eyewear includes a left temple and a right temple. Each of the temples has a cavity sized to receive an audio device such as a BlueTooth transceiver configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote device like a cell phone or a digital sound device. The BlueTooth transceiver may be placed in the cavity of either temple with the other temple cavity covered with a cover plate. An earphone may be connected to the BlueTooth transceiver through a receptacle. The earphone delivers the audible sound to the user's ear. The receptacle of the BlueTooth transceiver to which the earphone connects is also configured to receive the connector from a charger to charge a rechargeable battery in the BlueTooth transceiver. The eyewear may also be configured with cover plates over the cavity in both of the temples or with an audio device in both cavities to provide audible signals to both ears of the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: Michael Jackson, Eleanor Jackson
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Publication number: 20070201001Abstract: Wavefront measurements of eyes are normally taken when the pupil is relatively large, and the results are often represented by a set of Zernike coefficients. Different sets of Zernike coefficients can be calculated to represent aberrations at smaller pupil sizes. While recently described techniques allow scaling of the expansion coefficients with Zernike polynomials, a more intuitive approach would be desirable. Such an approach may optionally derive an equivalent result as known techniques, but may employ a much simpler and nonrecursive formula between the new and the original sets of Zernike polynomial expansion coefficients of a wavefront when the aperture size is scaled.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: VISX, IncorporatedInventor: Guang-ming Dai
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Publication number: 20070201002Abstract: A hole data input device for inputting hole data including a position of a hole with respect to a target lens shape for forming the hole on an eyeglass lens to attach a rimless frame to the lens, includes: a storage that stores plural types of hole patterns; a selector that selects a desired hole pattern from the stored hole patterns; and a setting unit that automatically sets at least one of positions, diameters, depths, and angles of plural holes based on the selected hole pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: NIDEK CO., LTD.Inventor: Kyoji Takeichi
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Publication number: 20070201003Abstract: An imaging system and method are provided that include a lighting system having an array of light sources, a control system for driving one or more light sources to illuminate for a longer period of time than one or more other light sources, and an image sensor having a field of view for capturing an image of an object within the field of view. The light sources may be divided into annular bands with the control system causing an inner annular band of light sources to be driven to illuminate for a longer period of time than an outer annular band of light sources. Alternatively, the control system may be configured to drive one or more soft light sources to illuminate for a longer period of time than other light sources since the soft light sources produce less light output than the other light sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventor: David Rankin
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Publication number: 20070201004Abstract: An image projection apparatus (100) comprises a projector (106), a frame (108), and a partially transparent screen (110). The frame (108) retains the screen (110) under tension, such that the screen (110) is inclined at an angle with respect to a plane of emission of light from the projector (106). The screen (110) has a front surface arranged such that light emitted from the projector (106) is reflected therefrom. The projector (106) projects an image such that light forming the image impinges upon the screen (11) such that a virtual image is created from light reflected from the screen (110), the virtual image appearing to be located behind the screen (110).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2004Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: MUSION SYSTEMS LIMITEDInventors: Ian O'Connell, James Rock
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Publication number: 20070201005Abstract: A modular projection device. The modular projection device includes a docking interface for selectively coupling the projection device to a content source module that provides the projection device with video content for projection onto a projection surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2006Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: INFOCUS CORPORATIONInventors: Donald Rhodes, Morten Johansen, Mike Gemelke, Jeff Allison, Tim Anderson
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Publication number: 20070201006Abstract: There are provided a write light valve for generating image-writing light by modulating write light, a driver for writing images into the write light valve based on image data, read light valves for each color for generating respective color image lights by modulating each received color illumination light, an imaging lens group for guiding the image-writing light emitted from the write light valve to the respective read light valves, a dichroic cube for combining together color image lights emitted from the respective read light valves, a projection lens for projecting each color image light combined together. The imaging lens group has a distortion aberration which reduces or cancels out a distortion aberration of the projection lens.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: Ryuhei Amano, Yoshihiro Yokote, Hideyuki Kanayama, Kazuhiro Arai, Takashi Ikeda, Takashi Miwa
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Publication number: 20070201007Abstract: A projection display is provided with a light engine including a damped piezo-electric smooth picture actuating device. The light engine comprises a mirror and an actuator for positioning the mirror. The actuator includes a tilting means that couples the actuator to the mirror. The tilting means has damping material attached thereto. The damping material may be a polymeric material.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2005Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: THOMSON LICENSINGInventor: Scott Rottler
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Publication number: 20070201008Abstract: A DLP projection device includes a cooling fin of a DMD chip, a cover of an optical engine, a mother board, a metal sheet covering the mother board, an upper housing covering the DLP projection device, and an EMI shielding slice coupled with the cooling fin of the digital micro mirror display chip, the cover of the optical engine, and the metal sheet. The EMI shielding slice is also attached to the upper housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2006Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventor: Hsien-Feng Lin
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Publication number: 20070201009Abstract: An image display device comprises an optical imaging arrangement for providing image information to illumination light and for transmitting the light as an optical image signal; a display for receiving the optical image signal and for displaying an image based on the image information; and a projecting optical arrangement including a reflecting part having a reflecting surface for reflecting the optical image signal, and a refracting optical part having a refracting surface for projecting the optical image signal onto the reflecting part. At least one of the reflecting surface and the refracting surface is aspherical.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: Hiroshi Suzuki, Kohei Teramoto, Jiro Suzuki, Shinsuke Shikama
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Publication number: 20070201010Abstract: Of a measurement stage (MST) that has a plate (101) on which liquid is supplied, and performs measurement related to exposure via a projection optical system (PL) and a liquid (Lq), at least a part of the measurement stage including the plate can be exchanged. Therefore, by exchanging at least a part of the measurement stage including the plate before the surface of the plate deteriorates due to contact with the liquid, measurement related to exposure can be performed constantly with high precision, which makes it possible to maintain exposure with high precision. Further, in the case at least one edge surface of the plate is mirror-polished, when at least a part of the measurement section including the plate is exchanged to a new component, the position of the plate can be accurately measured, for instance, by an interferometer or the like via the edge surface of the plate that has been mirror-polished, even if the position of the component that has been exchanged is roughly set.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2005Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: NIKON CORPORATIONInventor: Yuichi Shibazaki
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Publication number: 20070201011Abstract: An optical element includes a base material, a liquid-repellent member provided on at least a part of a surface of the base material, and a light-reducing member provided between the base material and the liquid-repellent member to protect the liquid-repellent member from radiation of light by reducing the light. The optical element is usable for a liquid immersion exposure apparatus for exposing a substrate through a liquid. It is possible to avoid any inflow of the liquid in a liquid immersion area into an unexpected place via the optical element.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2006Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: NIKON CORPORATIONInventors: Takao Kokubun, Ryuichi Hoshika
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Publication number: 20070201012Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus is disclosed for use with an immersion liquid positioned between the projection system and a substrate. Several methods and mechanism are disclosed to protect components of the projection system, substrate table and a liquid confinement system. These include providing a protective coating on a final element of the projection system as well as providing one or more sacrificial bodies upstream of the components. A two component final optical element of CaF2 is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2006Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Erik Loopstra, Johannes Mulkens
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Publication number: 20070201013Abstract: An energy sensor, e.g. as part of a transmission image sensor comprises: a radiation-sensitive detector arranged to receive a pulsed radiation beam and to generate a current in response thereto; a circuit equivalent to an RC network connected across the radiation-sensitive detector; and an analog to digital converter connected across a resistive component of the circuit and arranged to output digital samples measuring the voltage across the resistive component at a sampling rate that is greater than the pulse repetition rate of the pulsed radiation beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2006Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventor: Willem Venema
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Publication number: 20070201014Abstract: A light irradiation apparatus includes a light modulation element that modulates a phase of incident light to emit the modulated light therefrom, and an image forming optical system that is arranged between the light modulation element and an irradiation target plane, and forms an image of the emitted light to irradiate the irradiation target plane with the light having a predetermined light intensity. The light modulation element has in a unit region a plurality of area ratio changing structures including a first area ratio changing structure and a second area ratio changing structure. The first area ratio changing structure has at least one first phase modulation region in which an area share ratio varies in a first direction. The second area ratio changing structure has at least one second phase modulation region in which an area share ratio varies in a second direction different from the first direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: Yukio Taniguchi, Masakiyo Matsumura
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Publication number: 20070201015Abstract: A method for transitioning a target from a missile warning system to a fine tracking system in a directional countermeasures system includes capturing at least one image within a field of view of the missile warning system. The method further includes identifying a threat from the captured image or images and identifying features surrounding the threat. These features are registered with the threat and image within a field of view of the fine tracking system is captured. The registered features are used to identify a location of a threat within this captured image.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2005Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: Ronald Gidseg, John Carattini, Phong Ha
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Publication number: 20070201016Abstract: A plasma equipment seasoning method. The seasoning method comprising the steps of measuring the ratio of optical emission intensity of silicon oxide (SiOx)-based chemical species to optical emission intensity of carbon fluoride compound (CFy)-based chemical species present in a process chamber of plasma equipment before operating the plasma equipment to perform a plasma process, determining whether the value of the measured optical emission intensity ratio is within a predetermined range of normal state or not, and, when reaction gas to be used in the plasma process is supplied into the process chamber based on the result of determination such that the value of the measured optical emission intensity ratio is within the predetermined range of normal state, seasoning the interior of the process chamber to change the ratio of components of the reaction gas, and thus, to change the optical emission intensity ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2004Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: ADAPTIVE PLASMA TECHNOLOGY CORP.Inventors: Yeong Song, Sang Oh, Sheung Kim, Nam Kim
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Publication number: 20070201017Abstract: An optical metrology method is disclosed for evaluating the uniformity of characteristics within a semiconductor region having repeating features such a memory die. The method includes obtaining measurements with a probe laser beam having a spot size on the order of micron. These measurements are compared to calibration information obtained from calibration measurements. The calibration information is derived by measuring calibration samples with the probe laser beam and at least one other technology having added information content. In the preferred embodiment, the other technology includes at least one of spectroscopic reflectometry or spectroscopic ellipsometry.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: Jon Opsal, Ilya Grodnensky, Heath Pois
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Publication number: 20070201018Abstract: A circuit pattern inspection apparatus and inspection method facilitate the creation of a recipe and the confirmation of a defect. The apparatus and method employ a dialogue-based operation for the creation of a recipe and the confirmation of a defect. Input items (such as contrast, calibration, etc.) for the recipe creation and their purposes are clarified. Input items (such as clustering, filtering, etc.) for the defect confirmation and their purposes are also clarified. The results obtained on the basis of these inputs are registered in the recipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: Masayoshi Takeda, Hirokazu Ito
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Publication number: 20070201019Abstract: In a foreign matter inspection apparatus comprising: irradiating unit for irradiating inspection light to an inspection area of an article to be inspected; intensity detecting unit for detecting intensity of either reflected light or scattered light, which is generated from the inspection area by irradiating thereto the inspection light; position detecting unit for detecting a position of either the reflected light or the scattered light within the inspection area; and deciding unit for deciding whether or not a foreign matter is present within the inspection area; the foreign matter inspection apparatus is comprised of: display unit capable of displaying thereon both a threshold image in which the threshold value is indicated over an entire area of the inspection area, and a detection sensitivity image indicated by being converted from the threshold image.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: Hiroyuki Yamashita, Mamoru Kobayashi, Eiji Imai, Yoshio Morishige, Koichi Nagoya, Hideki Fukushima
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Publication number: 20070201020Abstract: A fiber optic darkfield ring light with many angled fiber optic light lines with direct illumination in a very small package. The fiber optic darkfield ring light includes a base with multiple light heads and multiple light covers attached thereto, a main cover, an optional cord grip, and an optional hood. It incorporates multiple fiber optic line arrays positioned at low angle and used in conjunction with a strobe light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventor: Falai Li
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Publication number: 20070201021Abstract: An apparatus for holding liquid samples.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2005Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: Carol Schembri, Zhenghua Ji, Hongfeng Yin, William McAllister
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Publication number: 20070201022Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for using a fiber array spectral translator-based (“FAST”) spectroscopic system for performing spectral unmixing of a mixture containing multiple polymorphs. In an embodiment, a first spectrum of a mixture containing polymorphs of a compound is obtained using a photon detector and a fiber array spectral translator having plural fibers. A set of second spectra is provided where each spectrum of the set of second spectra may be representative of a different polymorph of the compound. The first spectrum and the set of second spectra may be compared, and based on the comparison, the presence of one or more polymorphs in the mixture may be determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: CHEMIMAGE CORPORATIONInventors: Jason H. Neiss, Patrick J. Treado, Robert Schweitzer
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Publication number: 20070201023Abstract: A method of determining the crystalline orientation of a crystal surface of a workpiece using Raman spectroscopy. A beam of substantially monochromatic light is directed to be incident on the crystal surface at a predetermined angle of incidence. The beam of light is substantially polarized. The workpiece is rotated relative to the beam of light about a rotation axis substantially normal to the crystal surface. A Raman shift of scattered light is measured at each of a number of rotational positions during the rotation of the workpiece. The crystalline orientation of the crystal surface is determined based on the measured Raman shifts. Data indicating the determined crystalline orientation of the crystal surface is stored.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventor: Ming Li
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Publication number: 20070201024Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods relating to the manufacture of osmotic tablets, in particular to the use of near-infrared spectroscopy in the detection of the presence or absence of semi-permeable membranes in osmotic tablets.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventor: JOHAN GEERKE
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Publication number: 20070201025Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to verify the composition of a medical fluid in a fluid container. The verification is performed at a centralized location, where light is transmitted through the fluid and detected by a sensor that generates signals representative of the spectral data of the actual composition of the fluid. These signals are compared with the spectral data of an expected composition of the fluid. Based on the comparison, a label is generated that identifies the composition of the fluid and is affixed to the fluid container. The fluid container, with the verified fluid, is distributed to the point of care.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: Cardinal Health, Inc.Inventor: Roger Greenwald